Revelation 6:12

KJV

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I beheld {G1492} when {G3753} he had opened {G455} the sixth {G1623} seal {G4973}, and {G2532}, lo {G2400}, there was {G1096} a great {G3173} earthquake {G4578}; and {G2532} the sun {G2246} became {G1096} black {G3189} as {G5613} sackcloth {G4526} of hair {G5155}, and {G2532} the moon {G4582} became {G1096} as {G5613} blood {G129};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I watched as he broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, the sun turned black as sackcloth worn in mourning, and the full moon became blood-red.

Berean Standard Bible

And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red,

American Standard Version

And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 6:12 dramatically portrays the opening of the sixth seal, unleashing a series of cataclysmic cosmic and terrestrial events. This verse describes a profound earthquake, the sun turning black like sackcloth, and the moon becoming blood-red, signaling an unprecedented escalation of divine judgment and the imminent arrival of God's wrath upon the earth, instilling terror and awe in those who witness these unmistakable signs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 6:12 immediately follows the opening of the fifth seal in [Revelation 6:9-11](/revelation/6-9-11 "Revelation 6:9-11 - The Cry of the Martyrs"), which revealed the souls of martyrs under the altar crying out for justice. The cosmic disturbances of the sixth seal are a direct divine response to their plea, shifting from the persecution of the saints to the judgment of their persecutors. This sequence builds the narrative tension, moving from human suffering and divine patience to a display of overwhelming divine power, setting the stage for the universal terror described in [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Humanity Hides from God's Wrath") and the subsequent interlude of the sealing of the 144,000 in [Revelation 7](/revelation/7 "Revelation 7 - The Sealing of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of cosmic disturbances—darkened sun, blood-red moon, and great earthquakes—was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature, particularly in passages describing the "Day of the Lord." Prophets like [Joel](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord") ([Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Cosmic Signs of the Day of the Lord")), [Isaiah](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") ([Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - The Day of the Lord's Fury")), and [Ezekiel](/ekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament Over Pharaoh") ([Ezekiel 32:7-8](/ezekiel/32-7-8 "Ezekiel 32:7-8 - The Darkening of Heavenly Lights")) used such language to describe moments of divine judgment upon nations or the entire world. For John's original audience, familiar with these prophetic traditions, the imagery would immediately evoke a sense of ultimate divine intervention and the terrifying culmination of history, signifying God's direct and undeniable wrath.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. It emphasizes **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, clearly demonstrating God's active involvement in history and His righteous response to sin and injustice, as foreshadowed in passages like [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge"). The theme of **Cosmic Unraveling** highlights the disruption of the natural order as a sign of the end times, a concept also found in Jesus's Olivet Discourse ([Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Signs of the End of the Age")). Furthermore, it underscores the **Universality of God's Revelation**, as these signs are visible to all, leaving no doubt about their divine origin and purpose, leading to the desperate attempts to hide from the "wrath of the Lamb" in [Revelation 6:16](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16 - Hiding from the Lamb's Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beheld (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb means "to see," either literally or figuratively. In this context, it emphasizes John's direct observation of these dramatic events, lending an eyewitness credibility to the apocalyptic vision. It implies a direct, undeniable perception of the unfolding judgment.
* **earthquake (Greek, _seismós'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to shake," this word denotes a commotion, specifically an earthquake or a tempest. Here, it signifies a massive, ground-shaking event, often used in biblical prophecy to indicate divine presence, judgment, or a significant upheaval in the established order, as seen in [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Shakes").
* **became (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This versatile verb means "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." Its repeated use in this verse ("sun became black," "moon became as blood") underscores the transformative nature of these events. It's not merely an appearance but a fundamental change in the state of the celestial bodies, signifying a new, terrifying reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal":** This phrase establishes the divine agency and the sequential nature of God's judgments. "He" refers to the Lamb (Jesus Christ), who alone is worthy to open the seals, demonstrating His authority over cosmic events and the unfolding of history. The opening of the sixth seal marks a critical turning point, escalating the judgments to a global, undeniable scale.
* **"and, lo, there was a great earthquake;":** The interjection "lo" (Greek _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the sudden and dramatic appearance of a "great earthquake." This is not a minor tremor but a cataclysmic event, signifying a profound disruption of the earth's stability, often associated in biblical prophecy with God's direct intervention and judgment upon humanity.
* **"and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair,":** This vivid simile describes the sun's transformation. "Sackcloth of hair" (often made from goat's hair) was a coarse, dark fabric worn in times of deep mourning, repentance, or distress. The sun, typically a source of light and life, turning black like this material powerfully symbolizes a period of profound darkness, despair, and the withdrawal of divine favor, signifying judgment and sorrow.
* **"and the moon became as blood;":** This striking image portrays the moon taking on the appearance of blood. This metaphor, frequently found in Old Testament prophetic literature, suggests violence, bloodshed, and a terrifying alteration of the natural order. It implies a time of great destruction, war, or a supernatural phenomenon that transforms the moon's usual appearance into a horrifying omen of divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 6:12 is rich in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, a genre characterized by symbolic language, visions, and dramatic descriptions of cosmic events to convey theological truths about the end times and divine judgment. The "great earthquake," "blackened sun," and "blood-red moon" are not necessarily literal scientific predictions but powerful, symbolic representations of God's overwhelming power and the severity of His wrath. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the sun and moon representing the stability and order of creation, their transformation signifying the unraveling of that order under divine judgment. The use of **Simile** ("black *as* sackcloth of hair," "moon became *as* blood") vividly communicates the nature of these changes, drawing on familiar cultural associations of mourning and bloodshed to convey the terrifying implications. The **Hyperbole** inherent in these descriptions emphasizes the unprecedented and catastrophic nature of these events, designed to evoke awe and fear in the reader, underscoring the finality and totality of God's impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The cosmic disturbances in Revelation 6:12 are deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic traditions, serving as unmistakable signs of the "Day of the Lord"—a time of divine reckoning and judgment upon the wicked. This imagery underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating that even the most fundamental elements of the cosmos are subject to His will and can be altered to execute His righteous decrees. These signs are not random occurrences but purposeful acts of God, designed to awaken humanity to the reality of His impending wrath and the inescapable accountability for their actions. They signify a profound shift from the initial, more localized judgments of the previous seals to a universal display of divine power that leaves no one untouched or unaware.

* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun and Moon as Signs of the Day of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - The Heavens Shaken Before the Day of the Lord")
* [Acts 2:19-20](/acts/2-19-20 "Acts 2:19-20 - Peter's Sermon Citing Joel's Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:12, with its terrifying cosmic signs, serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His justice. While the imagery is apocalyptic, its message calls believers to a profound sense of spiritual readiness and unwavering hope. We are reminded that all earthly systems, even the cosmos itself, are temporary and subject to God's will. This perspective should cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, rather than fear. It challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that our hope is fixed not on the transient stability of this world but on the eternal kingdom of God. The dramatic nature of these future events should motivate us to live faithfully, share the gospel with urgency, and persevere in righteousness, knowing that our ultimate deliverance and vindication come from the Lamb who opened the seals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of cosmic disturbances (darkened sun, blood-red moon) impact your understanding of God's power and justice?**
* **In what ways should the certainty of future divine judgment influence your daily life and priorities as a believer?**
* **How can we maintain a spirit of hope and peace in the face of such terrifying prophetic descriptions, rather than succumbing to fear?**

### FAQ

**Are the cosmic events in Revelation 6:12 meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?**

Answer: The interpretation of these events often falls into two main categories: literal and symbolic. Those who lean towards a literal interpretation believe that these will be actual, observable physical phenomena—a global earthquake, the sun literally darkening, and the moon appearing blood-red. They see these as undeniable, physical signs preceding Christ's return. Others argue for a more symbolic interpretation, viewing these as powerful metaphors for profound political, social, or spiritual upheavals that will shake the foundations of human society and established order. Given the highly symbolic nature of much of Revelation, it's plausible that these descriptions convey the *impact* and *severity* of divine judgment rather than a strictly scientific prediction. However, even if symbolic, they point to real, tangible consequences of God's wrath that will be universally experienced and understood as divine intervention. The language deliberately echoes Old Testament prophecies of the "Day of the Lord," where such phenomena often accompany significant historical judgments, whether literal or figurative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 6:12, while depicting terrifying judgments, ultimately points to the supreme authority and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is the Lamb, Jesus Himself, who is worthy to open these seals ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lamb Who Is Worthy")), demonstrating His sovereign control over history and His role as the righteous Judge. The cosmic disturbances, far from being random, are the unfolding of His divine plan, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. These signs foreshadow the ultimate return of Christ, not merely as a suffering servant, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will execute perfect justice and bring all things to their appointed end. The "great earthquake" and celestial signs echo the shaking of the heavens and earth that will accompany His glorious advent ([Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of All Things")), leading to a new creation where righteousness dwells. Therefore, these judgments, though fearsome, are part of the process by which Christ purifies the earth and prepares it for His reign, ultimately fulfilling the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more sorrow or pain ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Joel 2:10

The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

Acts 2:19

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Mark 13:24

¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

Mark 13:25

And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.